The Windy City's skyline and shores will once again burst with aerial acrobatics and waterborne prowess as the Chicago Air & Water Show returns this weekend. For those considering to attend, rehearsal activities will start on Friday, Aug. 15, with the main events stretching across Saturday, Aug. 16, and Sunday, Aug. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, as reported by WGN-TV.
For the best view, spectators should head to North Avenue Beach at 1600 North Lake Shore Drive, according to WGN-TV. However, those planning to quickly go should note the lack of public parking at the beach. The CTA 72 bus, which normally services this beach, is set to be rerouted during the show.
Bringing high-flying excitement to viewers free of charge, the show is touted as the largest of its kind in the U.S., WGN-TV notes. Headlining the event are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team, also known as the Golden Knights. They join a roster of military and civilian performers, including daredevil biplane pilots and the Coast Guard's search and rescue demonstration.
Outside of the scheduled flights, the airspace around the event will fall under restrictions, with the FAA prohibiting any unauthorized drones or unmanned aircraft systems from flying within the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) area without a waiver, as WGN-TV mentioned.
In a literal leap of faith, ABC7 Chicago Reporter Tre Ward dared to skydive with the Army Golden Knights during a practice session for the show, successfully touching down and seemingly enjoying every moment of the plunge. ABC7 will feature Ward's experience in their Friday afternoon newscasts, a thrilling preview for what's to come this weekend, according to a statement obtained by ABC7.
